How much does a building permit cost in Town of Gurley, AL?

The minimum permit fee is Residential minimum $200; commercial minimum $300. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction and additions are $0.60 per square foot with $200 minimum. Commercial new construction and additions are $0.75 per square foot with $300 minimum..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Gurley, AL?

1. Verify zoning and setback compliance with the town before filing. 2. Assemble the materials listed in the town fee ordinance: zoning verification, site plan, drainage plan, and building plans stamped by a registered architect or engineer if required. 3. Submit the permit request to the town building office. 4. Pay permit fees and separate inspection fees. 5. Complete footing, rough-in, electrical/plumbing, and final inspections as applicable. 6. Close out the permit after final approval and any occupancy requirements.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Gurley, AL?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet, except garages, tool sheds, or similar structures expressly excluded; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within allowed proportions; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, floor covering, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings; Window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require extra support; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Minor electrical repair and maintenance listed in the town residential ordinance; Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, and similar gas/mechanical items listed in the town residential ordinance.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Gurley, AL?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Town building office.

City Building Permits

Town of Gurley, AL - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Gurley, Alabama. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Alabama Madison County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Gurley permitting applies inside Gurley town limits in Madison County.

Department: Town of Gurley Building Department
Address: 235 Walker Street, Gurley, AL 35748
Phone: 256-776-3313
Website: https://www.townofgurleyal.com/ordinances

Application Process

Verify zoning and setback compliance with the town before filing.
Assemble the materials listed in the town fee ordinance: zoning verification, site plan, drainage plan, and building plans stamped by a registered architect or engineer if required.
Submit the permit request to the town building office.
Pay permit fees and separate inspection fees.
Complete footing, rough-in, electrical/plumbing, and final inspections as applicable.
Close out the permit after final approval and any occupancy requirements.

Typical processing time: The 2025 zoning ordinance states the Administrative Official issues or refuses permits within 30 days of receipt of complete applications.

Source: Town of Gurley Building Department

General Requirements

Gurley's 2025 residential code ordinance requires a permit for an owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a residential building or structure, and for electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work when cost exceeds $1,000, plus work involving plumbing drainage or electrical disconnects regardless of cost.

Required Documents

Zoning verification
Site plan
Drainage plan
Building plans stamped by a registered architect or engineer if required

Building code: Gurley Ordinance 2025-014 adopts the 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments and listed exclusions. The town also adopted separate commercial building-code legislation in 2025; verify the full commercial code set directly from the town when filing nonresidential work.
Owner-builder: Residential permit may issue only to the bona fide owner or occupant of the land or to a duly licensed contractor.
Contractor requirements: Gurley residential ordinance references duly licensed contractors. State trade and contractor licensing still applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential minimum $200; commercial minimum $300
Permit fee formula: Residential new construction and additions are $0.60 per square foot with $200 minimum. Commercial new construction and additions are $0.75 per square foot with $300 minimum.
Reinspection fee: Failed inspections are charged again at the same inspection-fee rate
Payment note: Public fee ordinance lists permit and inspection fees but does not publish detailed online payment instructions

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet, except garages, tool sheds, or similar structures expressly excluded
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting a surcharge
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within allowed proportions
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
Painting, papering, floor covering, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings
Window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require extra support
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
Minor electrical repair and maintenance listed in the town residential ordinance
Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, and similar gas/mechanical items listed in the town residential ordinance

Inspections

How to Schedule

Town building office (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Residential fee ordinance lists footing, rough-in framing, electrical and plumbing, and final inspections

Additional Resources

Building code: Gurley Ordinance 2025-014 adopts the 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments and listed exclusions. The town also adopted separate commercial building-code legislation in 2025; verify the full commercial code set directly from the town when filing nonresidential work.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Ordinances
Fee Ordinance
Comprehensive Plan
License lookup guide: Alabama Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Alabama Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Alabama hub: Alabama Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Gurley Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Gurley Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Gurley, AL?: Gurley's 2025 residential code ordinance requires a permit for an owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a residential building or structure, and for electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work when cost exceeds $1,000, plus work involving plumbing drainage or electrical disconnects regardless of cost.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Gurley, AL?: The minimum permit fee is Residential minimum $200; commercial minimum $300. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction and additions are $0.60 per square foot with $200 minimum. Commercial new construction and additions are $0.75 per square foot with $300 minimum..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Gurley, AL?: 1. Verify zoning and setback compliance with the town before filing. 2. Assemble the materials listed in the town fee ordinance: zoning verification, site plan, drainage plan, and building plans stamped by a registered architect or engineer if required. 3. Submit the permit request to the town building office. 4. Pay permit fees and separate inspection fees. 5. Complete footing, rough-in, electrical/plumbing, and final inspections as applicable. 6. Close out the permit after final approval and any occupancy requirements.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Gurley, AL?: Typical processing time is The 2025 zoning ordinance states the Administrative Official issues or refuses permits within 30 days of receipt of complete applications..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Gurley, AL?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet, except garages, tool sheds, or similar structures expressly excluded; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons within allowed proportions; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, floor covering, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings; Window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require extra support; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Minor electrical repair and maintenance listed in the town residential ordinance; Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, and similar gas/mechanical items listed in the town residential ordinance.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Gurley, AL?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Town building office.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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